Lot size: 5,670 sq. ft. lot, 45% native

Garden Age: Native garden was installed in stages, beginning in 2002

Years on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour: 4

Showcase Feature Seeking beauty and privacy, John transformed this corner lot. The crabgrass lawn that covered most of the garden was dug out by hand. In place of the lawn John designed and installed a series of artful, interesting, and inviting spaces for people and wildlife alike. Shrubs, such as black and white sages, California lilac, and coyote brush anchor a series of small garden beds. Bush lupine rub shoulders with a variety of herbs and salad greens, which are planted in wine barrels. Concord, golden muscat, and flame grapevines line the back fence. Plan on lingering; you won’t want to hurry away from the serenity of this garden with its variety of welcoming benches, café tables, and love seats. Other Garden Attractions

• Weeds are pulled by hand.
• Raised beds provide drainage for the natives, while water drains naturally through the Sierra Gold fines and Golden Pathways gravel paths.
• The neighbor’s redwood fence was recycled and now surrounds the small vegetable garden.  Check out the espaliered Fuji apples!

Gardening for Wildlife [SinglePic not found] Hummingbirds, bushtits, song sparrows, Wilson’s warblers, downy woodpeckers, and hooded orioles love both the garden and the water-filled terra cotta saucers John thoughtfully puts out for them. Lizards, snakes and bees are also comfy here.  Once a swarm of honeybees called the garden home for a short while, nestling in the white sage before settling elsewhere. John Conry’s Spring 2012 Plant List